Whether it’s on social media or in real life, you’ve probably heard plenty of women calling their male significant other “daddy.” This probably had you wondering, “why do guys like being called daddy?”
The word “daddy” has a psychological impact on men because of its association with manliness and the masculine symbolism of a patriarch figure. It makes them feel dominant, powerful, and respected. The context also plays a significant role in the effect of the word!
If you want to find out more about the reasons why guys like it, when to properly use it, and more, this guide will have you covered with everything you need to know!
Do All Guys Actually Like Being Called Daddy?
Before going into more detail about the reasons why men respond positively to this word, there are some essential points that you need to keep in mind.
These aspects can also provide extra context to some of the reasons we’re going to discuss later.
Not All Guys Like It
Although there are many guys out there who like being called “daddy” or at least don’t mind it, not all guys actually enjoy the word and some may find it slightly creepy, unsettling, or downright turn-off.
This highly depends on which angle every guy is looking at the word “daddy” from. For instance, some men will interpret the word literally instead of the meanings or the symbolism behind it.
As a result, they might feel a bit awkward hearing themselves being called daddy and find it uncomfortable to incorporate the word in any sexual context.
In fact, some studies found that some people find it a lot harder than others to fully grasp the differences between literal and figurative speech.
Related: What does it mean when she calls you daddy?
It’s Highly Dependent on the Mood for Some Guys
As previously established, the majority of guys don’t have a problem with being called daddy by their significant others. However, just because they like the word, doesn’t mean that they like it all the time.
On one hand, some guys may enjoy being called daddy as an alternative to “honey”, “babe”, “bae”, etc.
In other words, you can use the word for all kinds of daily communication regardless of the context or the mood.
On the other hand, some guys only enjoy the word “daddy” in a certain context. For instance, they only find it appealing to hear the word when you’re playfully flirting with them or in a sexual context.
Other than that, these guys may find it a bit “out of place”. That’s why communication between couples is extremely important for a more satisfying and happier relationship.
12 Possible Reasons Why Guys Enjoy Being Called “Daddy”
It’s very hard to provide one simple reason why guys like being called daddy, as each man interprets the word differently.
In the following section, we’ll explain all the different reasons why guys find this word enjoyable or playful.
1. Some Find It a Simple Term of Endearment
Let’s start with a simple explanation that actually applies to many guys, especially younger ones who grew up hearing the word tossed around in that context.
Although many people are trying to understand the hidden reasons behind the men’s relationship with the word daddy, some guys don’t associate the word daddy with any of its original meanings.
In other words, to these guys, “daddy” is just another endearment word that they got used to hearing, such as “babe”, “darling”, or “honey”. Nothing more, nothing less.
2. A Symbol of Masculinity
For a lot of people, whether they’re men or women, their fathers were their first representation of masculinity.
The father figure represents a lot of positive characteristics, such as caretaking, providing, and protection.
When a guy hears you calling him “daddy”, it gives them the impression that you feel safe, protected, and taken care of when they’re around.
In fact, a Psychology Today report as well as other studies show that males have a natural instinct that rewards them when they protect females and provide for them. This is also known as the “hero” instinct.
The father figure is also a symbol of leadership, so calling a guy daddy could be a subtle way to let them know that you respect and trust them to lead the relationship.
Related: Alpha male vs. beta male
3. Dominance and Submission Instincts
The male instinct to protect and provide isn’t the only natural stimulus that makes the word “daddy” sound appealing to men.
Men also have other instincts similar to the ones found among wolves and canines, including the “dominance” instinct.
This instinct pushes males to assert dominance to compete for the “top dog” status, which is deeply associated with female attraction, according to a study by the American Psychological Association.
In fact, some even theorize that this instinct was the trigger behind many human achievements. That’s why when a girl calls a guy “daddy” it makes him feel dominant and in control.
4. Makes Them Feel Powerful
Guys value vigor and power over many apparent or external features. This also explains why many guys find it much better to be buff and muscular over handsome.
It’s also why males are generally more interested in bodybuilding and why some of them find women of petite stature more attractive.
All this comes down to the same brain reaction that rewards them for feeling larger and more powerful.
In their mind, the word “daddy” translates to being more of an “alpha male” that is capable of providing and protecting.
5. They’re Into BDSM
The word daddy has been used in this context for a very long time. Before it became a mainstream word and a term of endearment, it was originally used in the BDSM culture.
While the D in BDSM doesn’t refer to “Daddy”, it refers to “Dominance”, which is one of the primary associations of the word.
Since dominance and submission play are among the oldest kinks and sexual preferences out there, many guys find it quite playful and seductive to hear the word from their partners.
6. Men Like Vulnerability
Since the word daddy is associated with dominance and vigor, it also associates the ones who use them with submission and vulnerability.
However, being vulnerable here doesn’t mean letting someone take advantage of you. Instead, it means opening up to someone that person because they’re worthy of your trust and appreciation.
In other words, when a girl calls a guy daddy, it’s a sign that the girl is willing to let her guard down around him, which is also a reassurance that she feels safe around him.
For that reason, being vulnerable makes men feel mutual trust, which allows the relationship to become more intimate and serious in the future.
7. Youth Is Attractive to Men
As previously established, humans, and especially men, are really attracted to power and enjoy feeling strong and youthful.
In fact, this is one of the main factors behind midlife crises and why a lot of men try to act like they’re still in their 20s.
Not only that, but they’re also attracted to youth. Since “daddy” is mainly used by younger girls to address their dads, it can also stem from that part.
In fact, the fine line here is why some guys are turned off by that word. However, in the word’s defense, people use the word “babe” to communicate with their lover but it never meant that they actually see them as babies.
8. The Pop Culture Effect
Since using daddy to describe guys has exploded in popularity over the last few years, it has become used all over social media and in adult movies to refer to guys, especially in a sexual context
For that reason, the word daddy became a synonym for many positive attributes that women seek in their male significant others, whether they’re boyfriends, fiances, or husbands.
As a result, the word slowly connected itself with many positive traits and capabilities that men like to have.
9. Gives Them a Boost of Confidence and Self-Esteem
This one is based on the previous point. When guys hear the word “daddy”, it makes them feel like experienced lovers who are capable of satisfying their partner in all aspects, especially sexual ones.
Since sexual performance has a remarkable impact on men’s self-confidence, this word actually gives men a remarkable boost in self-esteem.
10. Their Competitiveness with Fathers-in-Law
This one may sound a little surprising but it does apply to a lot of men! A lot of guys have a subtle competition with their in-laws, especially their partners’ fathers.
This happens for many reasons and many factors could explain it. For example, some fathers-in-law feel like their girl’s partner is replacing them.
Combine this with the natural competitiveness and domination instincts between men, and you can see why many guys have passive-aggressive conflicts with their fathers-in-law, even if it eventually ends on good terms.
In that situation, when a woman calls her partner “daddy”, it feels like he has got one over her father, which makes him feel good about himself.
11. The Fantasy Effect
Guys always wonder what their partners are thinking of and fantasizing about, and they’re always happy when they know that they’re the only ones on their partner’s minds.
When you call a guy “daddy”, it gives them extra reassurance that they’re your “one and only” and makes them feel special, which always puts a smile on their face!.
12. Music to Their Ears
Lastly, you should also know that the magic might not be in the word “daddy” alone, but in the way you say it too.
Many studies were conducted to find out whether men and women are attracted to the same visual and auditory stimuli. This one found that men’s brains can be stimulated through specific audio stimuli
Also, according to a 2013 report, men were found to be more aroused by physical stimuli (like sounds) while women generally prefer mood-type stimuli.
For that reason, saying the word in a naughty or playful way could sexually arouse him and makes a guy feel his partner’s attraction to him.
That’s why some men may enjoy hearing the word during sex, although they don’t prefer it as an endearment term that you use all day long or in front of other people.
Wrap Up—Why Do Guys Like Being Called Daddy?
There you have it! A complete guide that walks you through all the reasons why guys like being called daddy!
As you can see, many of the reasons mentioned in the article are associated with the sense of dominance and control that the word is associated with.
It also gives male partners a great self-confidence push and makes them feel that they’re deeply satisfying their partners.
With that being said, the word is highly dependent on the mood and situation, so it’s important to use it at the right time to maintain its effectiveness and avoid making guys uncomfortable.
Fact checked:
Board reviewed by Marianne Tomlinson, LCSW (Couples and Family Therapy). Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Learn more.
